An explosion struck near the Mogadishu Cantonment barracks in Abuja on Monday, sparking concern in Nigeria’s usually quiet capital.
The blast occurred around 2:50 p.m. local time at a bus stop opposite the military site, just five kilometres from the presidential villa.
The Nigerian army swiftly announced the incident on X, assuring the public that the situation was under control and details would follow.
An intelligence source told AFP that the explosion killed the person carrying the device, with another victim seriously injured and hospitalised.
Photographs obtained by AFP showed a bloodied man lying motionless, clad in a green-and-white shirt and black trousers.
Police spokeswoman Josephine Adeh confirmed that explosive ordnance experts had cordoned off the area to secure the scene.
She said a male victim was rescued and transferred to a Defence medical facility, though further information remains undisclosed.
“A comprehensive investigation has commenced, including detailed forensic analysis,” she noted, stressing public safety as a top priority.
While no group has claimed responsibility, the explosion rekindles memories of past Abuja attacks blamed on extremist groups.
Between 2011 and 2014, Boko Haram orchestrated several deadly bombings across the city, targeting churches, UN offices, and crowded transport hubs.
In July 2022, ISWAP militants stormed Kuje prison on Abuja’s outskirts, using explosives to free hundreds of inmates.
Until today, Abuja had enjoyed a period of calm, with no major attacks reported in recent years.
Authorities are urging vigilance while they probe the blast’s origin and possible links to terror networks.
